Sun conure
Aratinga solstitialis
There is moderate risk associated with keeping this species as a pet, as explained below. Prospective pet owners should research if they can safely keep the animal for its lifetime, including housing, proper food and veterinary care, and be sure it can be kept as a pet in their jurisdiction.
© Shutterstock
Assessment results
Moderate risk
Conservation | Low risk
This animal is most likely not threatened by extinction, and/or the exotic pet trade does not impact the wild population. Please check that the animal you want comes from a reputable seller or rescue center that follows best practices when they source their animals.
Legality | Moderate risk
It’s likely that the animal has some national legal protections or import restrictions; however, exotic pet ownership is regulated at the state, county, or city level, so check your jurisdiction to see if you can own it. Keeping these protected or prohibited species can have legal consequences for the owner, including fines or bans on pet ownership or sale. Learn more about relevant exotic pet trade and ownership laws.
Human and public health | Moderate risk
It is likely that this animal is a potential threat to human or public health, either due to potential zoonotic diseases or due to physical attributes that can harm humans. Learn more about animal-related illness and injuries.
Invasiveness | Low risk
This species would not likely impact native biodiversity or habitats. However, never release a pet into the wild for any reason.
Animal welfare | High risk
Care, diet, and housing needs of this species are extremely difficult to meet for its lifetime, and potential owners are unlikely to be able to provide a good quality of life. Learn more about the challenges with exotic pet welfare.
⚠️ Important considerations
- Sun conure populations are declining in the wild and they are an endangered species, targeted for the illegal pet trade. US laws regulate their trade as a result, but they are commonly captive bred in the US pet trade.
- Sun conure housing, diet, and social needs are hard to meet in captivity. They need hours of stimulation and social time outside of their cage each day, along with a rotating variety of toys, puzzles, perches, and space to fly. A proper diet in captivity is also not well known.
- As with all pet birds, ensure there is access to a veterinarian that specializes in birds and consult them about proper habitat set up, diet, and care. Find an avian vet near you.
Basic information
Taxonomy:
Psittaciformes, Psittacidae
Lifespan:
15-30 years
Weight:
100-123g
Size:
~11 in. (28 cm)
Native range and habitat:
Throughout northeastern South America, mainly in savannas and scrubland near the banks of the Amazon River.
Diet:
Omnivores consuming mostly fruits and seeds, plus small insects on occasion
Activity and behavior:
- Highly social birds that live in pairs or small flocks of 3 to 15 individuals
- They move based on food availability and are quiet while they feed, but noisy in flight.
- Very smart and curious birds that need a lot of mental stimulation and social interaction.
© WWF-Japan